Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 18 : Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K. A. Sengottaiyan on Friday responded to opposition allegations regarding financial irregularities and outlined the government's stance on pending infrastructure tenders, private transit operations, and regulatory enforcement.
Addressing questions on an alleged Rs 40-crore corruption scam in the Semmozhi Park project, an issue recently raised at the Coimbatore Corporation Council meeting, Sengottaiyan stated that the present administration had only recently assumed office.
He stated that the alleged irregularities occurred during the tenure of the previous government, adding that the current administration has already initiated several actions in recent days.
On the Race Course tender controversy, the Minister confirmed that certain tenders have been kept on hold due to higher-than-expected estimates. He asserted that Chief Minister Vijay is closely monitoring governance to ensure that no irregularities occur during his tenure.
Sengottaiyan noted that tenders cannot be cancelled without valid reasons and that any final decision would be based strictly on proper justification. Where inflated estimates have been prepared, the Minister added that the Chief Minister would take appropriate and transparent decisions.
On the transport front, Sengottaiyan welcomed a statement from private omni bus operators indicating they would charge fares on par with government buses. Describing it as a positive change, he said passengers would no longer have to pay excessive fares and noted that operating services at government-approved fare levels would contribute to the country's development.
Responding to a statement by PMK leader Anbumani regarding the issue of resto-bars, the Minister stated that the government is taking swift action wherever necessary and that the Chief Minister would take phased decisions to strengthen regulatory measures.
When asked about opposition leaders claiming that "even Palani has been shaved bald" (a political remark) Minister responded that "time will reveal who actually shaved Palani bald."
Earlier, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday allowed an appeal filed by the Arulmigu Dhandapani Swamigal Madam (Mutt), Palani. The court explicitly declared as "null and void" a highly controversial sale deed executed in favour of certain individuals in respect of 1.35 acres of land located in Palani, Dindigul district.
A Division Bench comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and R Sakthivel overturned a previous Single Bench order. That lower order had directed the Sub-Registrar to register the sale deed if the document was otherwise found to be in order.
Upon reviewing the case, the Division Bench observed a critical flaw in the initial proceedings: the appellant Mutt had not been impleaded as a party before the Single Bench, and the Sub-Registrar had failed to consider the objections raised by the Mutt before rushing to register the document.